Military families face many challenges, and those obstacles become even greater when they are faced with the loss of a loved one. In an effort to help, a number of Texas-based organizations recently provided military families who've lost one of their own with a free day at a local water park, NBC affiliate KXAS reports.
The day of relaxation was thanks to the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, the nonprofit Snowball Express and the Hawaiian Falls Waterpark itself. Not only did it offer military families a chance get away, it also gave them the opportunity to talk with others who are trying to overcome the same challenges.
Of the 19 families who made it to the waterpark was the family of Ray Morales, who was killed by a roadside bomb in 2009. His 16-year-old daughter Brianne says she likes spending time with other military families because they can support each other.
"It's just nice to be able to help other kids and spend time with them," she told the news channel. "I just love helping other people and listening to them, and I am always there for everyone, so it's special to me."
Events such as this one could have an impact on thousands of families across the country. According to Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, more than 6,500 soldiers have died since 2001.